NEWS RELEASE
GANARASKA HIKING TRAIL ASSOCIATION
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April 21-22 weekend will see the kickoff of a season of celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association, Inc. (GHTA), an association of nine member clubs stewarding a 500 km trail stretching from Port Hope (Lake Ontario) at the southern terminus, to Devil’s Glen near Glen Huron, (just south of Blue Mountains) at the western terminus.
The trail winds through rolling farmlands and woods, follows quiet country roads and small towns and villages, and even traverses a city (Orillia). The wilderness section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail, is unique and passes through the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park. Including branch trails, the total length of the trail is in excess of 500 kilometres, used for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, thanks to the generosity of landowners who have given permission to cross their land.
The association will be 50 years old as of April 21, 2018, and the first of the celebratory events will be a public hike offered by the member clubs on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22.
These hikes will be easy to moderate, and everyone, including families, novice hikers, nature lovers, and those curious about hiking, are invited to come along and join in the celebrations. Wear sturdy footwear, carry water, and contact the leaders for any further instructions.
The GHTA will continue the celebrations throughout the spring/summer/fall season by relaying water from Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay along the 500 km trail, meeting in Orillia the weekend of Sept. 28-30 for a conference to be held at Lakehead University, Orillia Campus. The weekend opens with a pub night on Friday, and from there follows a jam-packed schedule designed to let hikers from all over the club get to know each other, celebrate the 50-year history of the association, and learn new skills through workshops and courses. The GHTA Inc. is proud to partner with Hike Ontario, who are having their summit in conjunction with this conference, and with Lakehead University who are hosting the event, and whose venue and values promote learning both in and beyond the classroom.
The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc. is a charitable not-for-profit organization that is entirely volunteer based. The annual membership fee of $25 (individual or family) provides all members with newsletters throughout the year listing all hikes and club information and is also used for trail maintenance and development.
For more information on the GHTA Inc., including its Newsletter, which contains its schedule of hikes, go here, email [email protected], or call 705-245-1005.
Details of GHTA local club hikes:
Saturday, April 21
The Oro-Medonte Ganaraska hiking club is hosting a moderate two-hour hike in the scenic Copeland Forest. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the P2 Copeland Parking lot on Ingram Road, just east of Oro-Medonte Line 4 North. Contact Bob 705-728-8985 or Christine 705-733-3825.
The Kawartha Ganaraska hiking club is hosting a number of hikes on the Stoney Lake Trails, ranging from easy to moderate (4, 6 or 9 km). Bring lunch/snacks and water. Meet at 9:15 a.m. at the Riverview Park and Zoo for carpooling to the start of the hike. Contact Tony 705-755-0815.
The Orillia Ganaraska hiking club is hosting two hikes at Scout Valley. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Scout valley Regan House parking lot on Line 15. For the easy hike, contact Sharon 705-327-7611. For the moderate hike, contact Paul 705-325-6001. Wear sturdy footwear, carry water.
The Pine Ridge Ganaraska hiking club is hosting a 6 km easy hike. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Port Hope Town Hall, for the hike and the ceremonial dipping of water from Lake Ontario for the first of the Water Relay hikes across the 500 km long Ganaraska Hiking trail. Contact Stan 905-885-9310.
The Wilderness Ganaraska hiking club is hosting two hikes in the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park. Hiking boots are recommended. Bring lunch/snacks and water. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Devil’s Lake parking lot.
• A moderate 8 km hike from Devil’s Lake to Sheldon Lake and return. Contact Glynn at [email protected]
• A much more challenging 19 km hike from Devil’s Lake to Moore’s Falls. Duration: seven to eight hours. The terrain is rugged and varies. Hiking boots recommended. Contact Robert 705-345-7155.
The Wasaga Beach hiking club is hosting a 6.8 km hike of the Schoonertown Loop. Meet at Schoonertown Parkette (corner of Oxbow Park Drive, and River Road West) at 10 a.m. (1.5 - 2 hours). Contact Irene, 705-352-1060.
Sunday, April 22
The Midland Ganaraska hiking club is hosting an easy 8 km hike in the Tiny Marsh. Meet at 1 p.m. in front of the Tiny Marsh Visitor Centre, on the Tiny/Springwater Townline. Contact Marc 705-527-1967.
The Barrie Ganaraska hiking club is hosting two hikes in the Copeland Forest:
• Easy two- to three-hour hike on mostly flat terrain. Meet at 10 a.m. at the P2 parking lot on Ingram Road, just east of Oro-Medonte Line 4 North. Contact Brian 705-728-5718.
• Moderate four-hour hike on hilly terrain. Meet at 9:30 a.m at the P2 parking lot on Ingram Road, just east of Oro-Medonte Line 4 North. Contact John 705-715-6994.
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